Publisher’s Note: TCB’s Next Chapter
This summer, I witnessed a moment that perfectly captures what makes Twin Cities Business so special. Our team brought together five MVPs of Minnesota business for a photo shoot at Target Field for our Minnesota Business Hall of Fame. These were leaders whose schedules rarely allow for such a gathering, yet there they were, standing side by side under our logo on the scoreboard. It wasn’t just a photo opportunity; it was a testament to the trust and respect TCB has earned over the years. That moment underscored our core belief: Business is the engine of our community—a force for good that deserves to be championed.
That trust is something we don’t take lightly. It’s particularly on my mind as we mark a meaningful transition. After many years of exceptional leadership, our editor-in-chief, Allison Kaplan, has moved on to her next chapter. We thank her for her remarkable contributions and wish her all the best. As we begin the search for our next editorial leader, I can assure you we won’t be using AI to lead the effort. (Let’s be honest, even the sturdiest chatbots couldn’t handle a Minnesota winter.)
While the face at the helm of our editorial team will change, our values and the value we bring to you will not. From day one in 1993, when founding publisher Burt Cohen, longtime MSP Communications president Gary Johnson, and founding editor Jay Novak launched this magazine, Twin Cities Business has stood for the idea that business is the foundation of our prosperity and the economic health of our region. Now, into our fourth decade, that conviction remains our North Star.
Too often these days, companies are painted as exploitative or out of touch, disengaged elites exploiting the toil of regular people. But we see a different reality: leaders making tough decisions to protect their teams; entrepreneurs innovating to solve problems; and organizations quietly creating opportunities. We see family businesses deeply invested in their communities and workforces, and Fortune 500 CEOs engaging in civic efforts to address a variety of social and economic challenges. We see startups betting everything on an idea, and we see the talent that institutions like the Carlson School or Opus College of Business nurture. Our mission has always been to tell those stories—the whole story—of Minnesota’s business ecosystem, acknowledging challenges and failures while celebrating progress.
This commitment to showcasing business as a force for good is woven throughout this issue. We are proud to honor the recipients of our 30th annual Outstanding Directors Awards, highlighting the vital, often unseen work of boards in ensuring strong governance. We also shine a light on companies that are creatively balancing purpose and profit, from innovative philanthropy to socially responsible practices. These leaders and partnerships, including our Community Impact Award honorees, exemplify the powerful and positive role business plays in Minnesota.
The business landscape is evolving rapidly as companies navigate the complexities of a post-pandemic world, including hybrid work and the reinvention of our city centers. Technology continues to reshape how we work and connect, with AI emerging as both a challenge and an opportunity. Through it all, we will continue to be your partner, providing the insights and connections you need to thrive.
As we embark on this next chapter, I reaffirm our standing invitation to come along with us. Let’s continue to champion the power of business for good, share the stories that inspire and unite us, and work together to build a stronger, more vibrant Minnesota.
Thank you for being part of this community we’re so honored to chronicle. Here’s to what’s next.
